I have a 1GB USB stick, and I would like to install feather linux on it, so I can use linux when I'm on the road etc. But I would also like to be able to move files w/ it, that can be viewed on Windows boxes. I figure I have 2 options,

a. partition it, one w/ ext2 or whatever file system feather linux needs and the other w/ FAT

b. format the entire thing w/ FAT

Also, w/ the first option, I imagine the first option might not work, becuase I think Windows will only mount the primary partition, and to the best of my knowledge (i.e. cant access the music partition on your ipod through windoze). Also, w/ the first thing, could I mount the second fat partition, and save files to it, becuase it is not active? Any advice?

Also, If I install ISOLinux or another bootloader to my USD drive's Master Boot Record, how can I remove it later?

You should make two partitions - One Ext2/Ext3/Reiser for your Gnu/Linux to run on and one vFat to share files. Most Windows boxes cannot read ext2 or ext3, and although you can add that capability, you would need administrator access.

I should note that you cannot install your Gnu/Linux on a vFat partition. Although Gnu/Linux supports reading these partitions, vFat doesn't support a feature Gnu/Linux needs. (I think the feature is symlinking.)

Since 128MB pendrives can be purchased for under $20, why not use another pen drive if you have another USB port available?

Could I mount the second FAT partiton as my HOME directory? so that I could save files there? or would they just be added to the RAMDISK?

Your home directory is what is listed in the /etc/passwd file, so it could even be a mounted network drive. Fat32 isn't the best choice to use however because it doesn't support linux permissions. Make sure to use the uid= and gid= mounting options so that you are the owner of your home partition.

I suppose you could probably finagle bootscripts and mount the vFat as your home directory, but it would be much more secure and convenient to just mount it as a folder, say /mnt/vfat. vFat isn't the best filesystem, but it's the only one I know of on which windoze and linux play well together right out of the box. It's a compromise, but it's one you have to make.